Indianapolis 500 Milk Bottle

The Drink of Milk in Victory Lane
For over 70 years, winners of the Indianapolis 500 have celebrated in Victory Lane (now Victory Circle) with a hearty swig from an ice-cold bottle of milk – a ceremony recognized around the world as unique to the Indy 500.
In an interview shortly before his death in 1995, Meyer recalled that his favorite beverage during his driving years was buttermilk and that’s what he asked for following the second of his three wins. Three years later, on the occasion of his third 500-Mile victory, he was photographed drinking milk in Victory Lane. Several years after that, the Bottle of Milk became a permanent part of the post-race celebration when Anton “Tony” Hulman decided that milk was a wholesome and appropriate beverage for Victory Lane festivities. For those who may be wondering what the winning driver drinks, it’s no longer buttermilk. Today, it’s delicious, nutrient rich, ice-cold milk served in a glass quart bottle.
The American Dairy Association of Indiana and its Indiana dairy farm families are responsible for ensuring that the Victory Circle tradition endures and prospers. In fact, Sports Illustrated magazine has recognized the bottle of milk given annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 as No. 1 among the "sports world's coolest prizes."

If you could time travel, which way would you go – forward or backward? This year, I’ve felt like I’ve been traveling forward much faster than usual. It was a big and busy year, both with work and family. We started the year being involved with Fuel Up to Play 60 at the NFL Experience during the Super Bowl festivities. We also helped to host a national Fuel Up to Play 60 forum soon after that. Then toss in two college graduations, a first-ever family reunion, a conference in Denver, the Year of Dairy Cows at the State Fair, and a daughter’s wedding. My Mom always said the older you get, the faster time goes, and I certainly see what she meant! So, I think, in an attempt to put on the brakes, I’ll opt for traveling backward.

I’m not sure how far back I would travel, but I don’t think I’d care to go back before certain discoveries were made. For instance, I’m not too fond of pain, so I wouldn’t want to go back before buffered aspirin was available around 1853. Then, even smart people, like surgeons, were unaware that (a) germs existed and (b) that they could cause diseases. Imagine being present when it was discovered that washing your hands would have a huge impact on death rates! Food safety is also a plus in my book, so I wouldn’t want to travel back before Louis Pasteur patented the process to make milk safe! Originally discovered during the 1860’s in response to problems in the wine industry, the pasteurization of dairy products didn’t get started until the mid-to-late 1880’s. So it doesn’t look like I’m going to be travelling too far back!

I think I could deal with a day during the 1920’s, probably in Chicago. I think I’d want to be in a big city to capture all that I could in 24 hours. Buildings that are now landmarks, such as Shedd Aquarium, would just be getting underway. But dining and shopping in the city would still be quite an experience. I was always fond of the flapper dresses when I was little. I wonder if a klutzy dame could learn to do the Charleston in 24 hours?

August 26th – A day that has gone to the dogs! It is National Dog Day! This is a special day for dogs and dog lovers that is celebrated annually in the United States. I am an animal lover and especially love dogs. Gunther, my dog who should have his own reality show, has provided me with so much happiness.

He also causes me a little stress. He likes to get into the trash, ignores me when I say ‘Gunther come!’, eats whatever he can get is grubby little paws on, and the list goes on and on. He also will only eat his dog food if it is mixed with cottage cheese. I don’t blame him, because I do love cottage cheese plus it’s high in protein and calcium. (But he doesn’t know that- he is just being difficult.)

This little brown 30 pound ball of fur is a handful. This is one of the many reasons why I have an immense respect for dairy farmers. Not only does the average Indiana dairy farmer take care of 100 + cows that weigh about 1400 pounds a piece, they help produce a wholesome product for the Hoosier state! A dairy cow helps feed the world. Gunther eats my shoes.

What he does provide is great companionship and happens to be a great motivator to go for a run or walk. After all, dogs are man’s best friend, right? If you need a couple more reasons to have a dog let me rattle off some for you:

If you drop food on the floor- they will clean it right up!

They are always happy to see you.

They listen and provide unconditional love.

They help teach responsibility.

If you have always wanted to adopt a dog but just never found the right time to do so – today is the day!

Now I could probably stop right here, and we’d be fine. But there is more to this major American holiday than a rousing march. There are fireworks (in less dry weather)! And parades! And picnics!

In June of 1776, the original thirteen colonies’ Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, where a document was drafted to formally sever ties with Great Britain. This document was crafted by Thomas Jefferson, the most eloquent writer on the committee charged with this task. Eighty-six changes later, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4. Copies were distributed the following day and thePennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print this historic document in its July 6 edition.

The first public readings of the Declaration of Independence were held on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia’s Independence Square. Bells were rung and band music was played; the following year, bonfires and fireworks were added to the celebration. This type of festivity grew and spread throughout our young nation, becoming more common at the end of the War of 1812 with Great Britain.

In 1870, Congress established Independence Day as a holiday, which Congress reaffirmed in 1938.

Communities large and small across the country mark this major summer holiday with parades, firework displays, picnics and the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and marches by John Philip Sousa.

One Indiana town, in particular, has a special meaning on July 4. Patriot, Indiana – population 209 – can’t help but enjoy a day that celebrates the patriot in all of us. Located on the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana, Patriot is also home to Dr. Elwood Mead who supervised the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930’s. Hoover Dam impedes Lake Mead, named after him.

So now that we know why we’re celebrating, the question becomes how are you going to celebrate this great day? Since the Fourth falls on a Wednesday this year, my family’s celebrating will a little smaller than those that fall on a weekend. I don’t have my menu planned just yet, but it will definitely include watermelon; that’s about the only time of year my husband will eat it. I think watermelon just fits so well into the red, white, and blue theme. Need some ideas yourself for fun Fourth of July foods? Abby, our dietetic intern, has a cute idea here:

It’s summertime and we all need to make the most of doing fun things outside when we’ve got warmer weather. But do think smart—keep hydrated especially on hot, muggy days.

If you’ve got a chance to get to go boating or to a pool or lake, do it. Think safety first: make sure everyone knows how to swim. And load everyone up with SUNSCREEN—in fact, for most summer outdoor activities everyone should be lathered up!

Ever tried family camping? I could never get my husband to do this but I know many families enjoy camping, whether in a camper or tent or just “under the stars”. Google CAMPING in Indiana (or be more specific and list the counties you want to camp in) and see what interests you the most and go for it.

It’s biking and hiking time and we have loads of city, county and state parks that offer so many neat things to do. Just make sure to be properly dressed for the activity and again, use sunscreen and keep hydrated.

To keep you cool no matter what you are doing outdoors, don’t forget to wear a hat or at least a sun visor. Protect your head from sunburn with a head covering. If you are hiking in the woods a hat will ensure ticks don’t gravitate to your scalp. And if its white or light colored, the sun’s rays will be reflected off your head and you’ll feel cooler (an old Girl Scout tip!).

Enjoying a meal in the outdoors is special but please remember food safety: KEEP HOT FOODS HOT AND COLD FOODS COLD. Ice packs keep foods colder longer than ice. And if you are grilling, don’t leave left-overs out. Wrap them up and get them in your cooler ASAP.

Enjoy summertime activities by planning ahead, prepare for all kinds of weather, stay hydrated, wear proper attire for what you plan to do (sandals or flip flops aren’t hiking or biking shoes), and have fun!

Whether you are celebrating June Dairy Month, National Ice Cream month in July or just crazy for delicious ice cream this post is just for you! There is a little bit of everything from great ice cream shops to trivia for your friends and yes, recipes. Everyone loves ice cream from ages 2-102 there is something fun about the licking of a cone, building that perfect spoonful from a bowl or drizzling in the perfect flavoring to be churned, that makes babies squeal with excitement and elder’s hearts race just a bit faster!

Indiana Trivia:

Did you know Indiana ranks second in ice cream production, how fun! California, Ohio, Texas and New York round out the top five slots!

First with simple vanilla or lemon flavorings to now flavors and ingredients such as lavender, roses, cheeses, roasted vegetables and fruits and everyone’s favorite bacon, ice cream is for every taste palate! Some such luscious licks are: Lavender Honey , Roasted Strawberry Balsamic, Bourbon Bacon Maple Syrup or my new favorite is Gorgonzola Walnut found at Licks –these gals are making ice cream history at farmers markets!

Check out Edible Communities with incredible flavor combinations such as blueberry and roasted corn! What a must try recipe!

Ice Cream making trivia:

Twelve gallons of milk is use to make one gallon of ice cream.

Vanilla is the number one selling flavor of ice cream

80% of the world’s vanilla bean used for ice cream is grown in Madagascar

Super premium and premium ice cream represent about 64.8% of the total dollar sales of ice cream

Ice cream is a $20-billion retail industry

The biggest ice cream sundae ever made was on July 24, 1988 — it contained 20.27 tons of ice cream, 4.39 tons of syrup and 5.22 lbs of topping

IF after reading all about ice cream and you want to be better schooled, check out:Ice Cream University founded in 1995 by Malcolm Stogo. The company specializes in all things ice cream – now that is a nice summer vacation! Enjoy!

Free breakfast and a behind-the-scenes look at modern dairy farming are on the menu at the American Dairy Association of Indiana’s 5th annual Brunch on the Farm, Saturday, June 23.

The event, in celebration of National Dairy Month, takes place from 9 am to 12 noon on the Willemsen Dairy Farm, 6615 W 500 N, Frankton.

Throughout the morning, representatives of the American Dairy Association and radio promotional partner WFMS will join members of the Willemsen Family for festivities – meeting and greeting guests, serving up brunch, handing out a variety of prizes, and leading farm tours for an up-close look at how delicious, nutritious dairy products are produced.

Some of the brunch menu includes sausage egg and cheese biscuits, string cheese, yogurt, and, of course, ice cold milk.

Guests are asked to bring non-perishable food items for contribution to the Frankton Community Food Pantry.

For additional information about this June Dairy Month event, including directions to the Willemsen Dairy Farm, visit www.WinnersDrinkMilk.com,

Last year I was able to be the “Rookie Milkman” following the direction of Richard Thomas who was the official “Milkman”. This year I’ll have that honor and will be sharing the experience with Duane Hill as the “Rookie Milkman” during the 97th running of the Indy 500. Continue reading →